Moving Tips
Four weeks to go:
- Call moving
companies for a free estimate. Cost will vary depending on
distance, weight and optional services.
- Look through
your house to determine items to be discarded or donated to
charity. Have a garage sale!
- Inform schools
of transfer. Make arrangements for enrollment/registration
in new schools if necessary.
- Most homeowner’s
policies do not provide adequate coverage for moving. Check
with your agent and consider purchasing additional coverage
from a moving company.
- Begin collecting
boxes with covers if you plan to pack your belongings. You
can purchase packing materials through moving companies or
contact local grocery stores for extra boxes. Be sure to stock
up on packing tape!
- Consider beginning
to consume perishable and frozen food items to minimize waste.
Three weeks to go:
- Begin packing!
- Notify the post
office of your new address and send change of address cards
to friends, family, subscriptions and any billing companies.
- Make necessary
travel arrangements including interim housing and car rental.
Be sure to record confirmation numbers.
- Collect medical
records and prescriptions from physicians. Ask for recommendations
for doctors in your new area.
- Place legal,
medical and insurance records in a safe and accessible place.
Two weeks to go:
- Arrange to disconnect
utilities/services in your current residence and coordinate
installation of utilities/services in your new home.
- Close/transfer
bank accounts and open accounts in your new city.
- Take pets to
the vet for immunizations. Ask for advice on moving animals.
- Draw a map of
your new home and where the furniture will be arranged.
- Return library
books and any borrowed items.
- Be sure to cancel
newspaper subscriptions and/or any special services you have
(i.e., landscaping/lawn service, snow plow, etc.).
One week to go:
- Prepare car
for the trip. Check the oil, tires, brakes, etc.
- Drain water
from hoses.
- Drain gasoline
and oil from any lawn or power equipment.
- Remember to
pick up items sent to the cleaners or for repairs.
Days before:
- Defrost and
clean out refrigerator
- Pack your luggage
and separate any items you will need in the first days in
your new home (i.e., a current telephone directory - you may
need to refer to it for calls to residents or businesses in
your former hometown). Label these boxes "Load Last."
- Reconfirm travel
arrangements.
- Reserve ample
parking space for the movers and provide clear paths inside
the house.
The Big Day!
- Be on hand to
answer any questions.
- Go over your
inventory with the driver.
- Be sure to point
out all FRAGILE items to the movers.
- Check, double
check and triple check to see if anything is left behind!
- Do not leave
the house until the movers are gone.
A Few More Moving Thoughts:
Moving your computer
- Make copies of all your files and software. If possible, pack
your computer, monitor, and printer in their original boxes.
If not, ask a moving company for boxes made especially for computers.
Packing supplies
- 1.5" packing tape, thick markers, packing pellets, scissors,
labels, tissue paper, newspaper and blankets.
Inventory - Review
inventory list.
Pack photographs
between sheets and blankets in boxes for added protection.
At your destination
consider hooking up the TV and VCR to occupy children until
the truck is unloaded.
Enjoy your new home!
